While they add an extra layer of protection, plastic barriers in public transport can't offer full protection against COVID-19, infectious disease experts said Wednesday, as they pushed for stricter physical distancing rules.
"Wala hong silbi 'yong physical barrier na nilalagay ninyo. In fact, matagal na namin sinasabi 'yan. Alisin na natin 'yan," said Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Philippine College of Physicians, in a Teleradyo interview on August 21.
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Without physical distancing, commuters separated only by plastic barriers risk getting infected with COVID-19, she added.
Under the Department of Labor and Employment's guidelines on ventilation for workplaces and public transport, the one-seat apart rule can be ignored if there is plastic shield between passengers.
"'Yan nga 'yung palagi naming sinasabi maski noon pa, na 'yung mga nakikita nating ginagawa sa mga pampublikong sasakyan, 'yung punuan na wala namang distansya, hindi ho natin gusto 'yan kaya... tingnan ho ninyo, mabilis na nag-surge uli tayo," Limpin explained.
What plastic barriers do provide is an additional layer of protection, similar to a face mask or face shield, said Dr. Rontgene Solante, head of San Lazaro Hospital adult infectious diseases and tropical medicine unit.
"That won't protect you also from airborne transmission kasi hindi naman talaga balot ang area kung nasaan ang plastic barrier," he said in a separate interview.
The World Health Organization said COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact with each other and in poorly-ventilated areas or crowded settings as aerosols remain suspended in the air and can travel farther than one meter.
Disinfecting the barriers after every use is important, Solante said. This would be difficult to implement in public transport where commuters get on and off the vehicle.
"'Pag hinahawakan 'yan, nandoon ka sa loob ng sasakyan o whatever place na ginagamit mo 'yan, hindi na 'yan nalilinisan, then you will touch that, you will touch your face, you will touch your mouth, then that can be an added way of getting the virus," he said.
Limpin urged government to have the plastic barriers removed, implement proper physical distancing in public transport, and ensure that public vehicles keep their windows open.
"Mag-contract servicing ho tayo, 'yung transport service kasi talagang ang mangyayari ho doon sa mga tao is, sa kagustuhan niyang makarating doon sa kanyang pupuntahan, lalong-lalo na kung sa trabaho, talagang kapit-tuko ho 'yan. Talagang gagawin nila kahit magkaroon sila ng COVID-19 basta makapunta lang ho sila sa trabaho nila," she said.
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Source: Spot PH
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